COVID-19 in Indigenous communities: What you need to know

The curve of new COVID-19 infections in First Nations and Inuit communities continues to trend downward, as vaccination efforts continue to ramp up across the country.

To date, 346,108 vaccine doses, including 93,367 second doses, have been administered in 651 First Nations and Inuit communities. Clinics for Indigenous people living in urban areas to receive their shot have been organized in several cities across Canada. 

Read more about vaccination efforts taking place in Saskatoon, Calgary, and Garden Hill First Nation, Man.:

• Pop-up vaccine site launches in Saskatoon as part of Métis Nation awareness campaign
• Indigenous-focused COVID clinic helping improve vaccine uptake among off-reserve residents
• 81% of adults living on Garden Hill First Nation receive 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine

There were 800 active cases in First Nations as of April 26, an increase of 64 from a week prior according to the latest data from Indigenous Services Canada.

The majority of new infections were reported in Manitoba, with 279 cases reported in the last week. Chemawawin Cree Nation, a northern First Nation in the province, reported its first death linked to COVID-19 as the community grapples with an outbreak that has forced hundreds of its residents to self-isolate.

There is one active case in the Nunavik region of Quebec. As of April 26, the Government of Nunavut was reporting 47 active cases of COVID-19 in Iqaluit, Kinngait, and Rankin Inlet.

The federal government's 2021 budget proposed to provide an additional $1.2 billion over two years toward pandemic response including $478.1 million to support the ongoing public health response and an additional $760.8 million for the Indigenous Community Support Fund.

There have been a total of 26,866 cases of COVID-19 in First Nations communities since the pandemic began. Two deaths were reported in the last week, bringing the total number of First Nations people living on-reserve who have died from the virus to 307. Hospitalizations rose to 1,193, and the number of First Nations people who have recovered from the disease is now at 25,779.

Total cases in First Nations communities per region reported as of April 26:

• British Columbia: 2,957
• Alberta: 7,675
• Saskatchewan: 6,542
• Manitoba: 7,173
• Ontario: 1,837
• Quebec: 692
• Atlantic: 10

Watch Native Montreal's executive director Philippe Meilleur talk about vaccination clinics for urban Indigenous people in Montreal:

Efforts underway to vaccinate Indigenous people in the greater Montreal area

4 years ago

Duration 4:15

Indigenous people living in urban areas were not originally on Quebec's vaccination priority list. Philippe Meilleur of Native Montreal talks about the efforts that went into getting this operation underway.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• New or worsening cough.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Temperature equal to or over 38 C.
• Feeling feverish.
• Chills.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Muscle or body aches.
• New loss of smell or taste.
• Headache.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting).
• Feeling very unwell.

If you think you may have COVID-19, please consult your local health department to book an appointment at a screening clinic. 

CBC Indigenous is looking to hear from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have contracted COVID-19 or lost a loved one to COVID-19. If you would like to share your story, please email us at [email protected].